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A hot dog in a box next to a box of fries.
Photograph: Erica Gannett

The best kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago

Plan a meal to remember for all ages at these spots with plenty of kid-friendly options.

Samantha Nelson
Written by
Time Out Chicago editors
&
Samantha Nelson
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Chicago is full of amazing attractions for kids' entertainment, from interactive museums where they can get hands-on learning to vibrant parks and playgrounds for fun in the warmer months. Local restaurants and classic culinary staples are just as family-friendly, offering dedicated kids menus, free meals and even cooking classes. The list includes Chicago institutions specializing in kid-friendly meals as well as celebrated chefs serving safe bets for young palates while providing some more adventurous options. Bust out the strollers on your search for the best kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago.

RECOMMENDED: The best weekend getaways for families

Places to eat with kids in Chicago

  • Restaurants
  • American
  • Lake View
  • price 2 of 4
This ultra kid-friendly restaurant in the Southport Corridor caters to parents in every way possible with wide doors that fit your stroller, a stroller valet and step stools in the bathroom. Your little ones will undoubtedly want the ice cream-topped skillet cookie for dessert—so be a sport and help them indulge. Best of all: kids eat free from 4pm-6pm.
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  • Restaurants
  • American
  • Streeterville
  • price 2 of 4

Retro-themed diner Ed Debevic’s returned in 2021 to expose a new generation to its zany antics. Bring your kids and expect to engage in some snarky banter with the servers, who role-play as characters and dress in ‘50s-inspired costumes. You may even catch them dancing on platforms during your meal.

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Jeffy Mai
Editor, Time Out Chicago
  • Restaurants
  • Lincoln Square

On weeknights from 4:30pm-6pm, families are invited to check out the Warbler's Supper Club special, which goes for $27 per person (kids under 9 eat for free) and includes five family-style dishes of your choice. The plates are portioned just right to ensure everyone leaves full and happy.

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  • Restaurants
  • Diners
  • North Center
  • price 2 of 4

Kids want what they want when they want it, and Irene’s caters to those cravings by offering pancakes, grilled cheese, french toast sticks and burgers from 8am to 3pm (4pm on the weekends), all served with fruit, breakfast potatoes or french fries. Add on some organic chocolate milk or apple juice, and you’ll have a happy family.

  • Restaurants
  • American
  • Avondale
  • price 1 of 4

Fact: Kids love fried chicken and mac and cheese. The nice thing about this beloved Avondale haunt is that the chicken is boneless, so parents don't have to keep a watchful eye on their youngsters while they eat. The kids menu here features a budget-friendly deal that includes chicken strips, choice of side, a corn muffin and, of course, honey butter—all for $12. They've even got treats from Bang Bang Pie for dessert.

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  • Restaurants
  • Bakeries
  • Lake View
  • price 2 of 4

Stephanie Izard’s modern diner is the first step in expanding your child’s palate. The environment is kid-friendly and the menu offers both approachable and chef-driven dishes. Picky eaters can stick with chicken fingers and nachos, but those who are more adventurous have Japanese savory pancakes and chili crunch chicken and dumplings to try.

  • Restaurants
  • Italian
  • Lake View
  • price 2 of 4

Kids eat free at Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar from 4-6pm every day, choosing from a menu that includes cheese pizza, buttered noodles and grilled cheese, plus a root beer float for dessert. Come in Monday through Thursday and you’ll also be able to take advantage of happy hour, which offers discounted charcuterie plates and cocktails to accompany your wood-fired pies.

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  • Restaurants
  • Hot dogs
  • Norwood Park
  • price 1 of 4

Drive-in restaurants are a dying breed but not completely extinct in Chicago. For parents who are really worried about their children being too unruly for a dining room, head to this iconic hot dog stand. You’ll get to enjoy dogs, burgers, shakes and more from the comfort of your vehicle, and not have to worry about disturbing other patrons.

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Jeffy Mai
Editor, Time Out Chicago
  • Restaurants
  • Ice cream parlors
  • Logan Square
  • price 1 of 4

Established in 1921, Margie’s Candies is a timeless ice cream parlor. It’s also the perfect place to take kids after dinner. They’ll love the large sundaes and banana splits while you take a trip back to yesteryear. It’s a win-win.

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Jeffy Mai
Editor, Time Out Chicago
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Pinstripes
  • Bars
  • Lounges
  • Streeterville
  • price 2 of 4

Take the family out for a delicious meal and some competitive action. This dining and entertainment chain is a hit with kids as they can feast on wood-fired pizzas and pastas before bowling or playing a game of bocce. Parents are encouraged to let the little ones win to keep the peace.

  • Restaurants
  • American
  • Lincoln Park
  • price 1 of 4

Located across from the Lincoln Park Zoo, this Lettuce Entertain You original is almost too convenient. Park your stroller near the front of the restaurant and sit the kids down with crayons and animal crackers. Meals are even served on old-school cafeteria trays, so they'll feel right at home.

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  • Restaurants
  • Contemporary American
  • Lincoln Park
  • price 2 of 4

The kids won’t feel left out if you decide to order one of the classic cocktails on Gemini’s menu since they have their own zero proof drink list, featuring options like the FKB made with cranberry, mint, soda and housemade ginger syrup. That sophistication extends to the rest of the kids menu, with a monterey jack cheeseburger on a brioche bun, and cavatappi mac and cheese with sharp cheddar served with sweet potatoes, fries or brussels sprouts. Drop in after a trip to the nearby Lincoln Park Zoo.

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  • Restaurants
  • Diners
  • Loop
  • price 1 of 4

This traditional deli and diner serves breakfast all day—a lifesaver when children are causing you to run behind. It also boasts a dedicated kids’ menu with choices that include sliders, mac and cheese, chicken fingers and pancakes. Topping it off are ice cream floats from an old school soda fountain.

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Jeffy Mai
Editor, Time Out Chicago
  • Restaurants
  • Bakeries
  • Lincoln Park
  • price 1 of 4

No matter the age, everyone feels like a kid at this charming Lincoln Park bakery thanks to its impressive selection of sweet treats. Adults can indulge their children with cakes, pies, brownies and Rice Krispies bars that are impossible to resist. And hey, we won’t judge if they’re used as bribes for good behavior.

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Jeffy Mai
Editor, Time Out Chicago
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  • Bars
  • Breweries
  • Portage Park

While you're munching on pork rinds and cheese curds, the kids will be tucking into crispy chicken tenders, a cheeseburger or buttered noodles at this Irving Park brewery. All kids' meals are less than $10 and include a drink and your choice of fries or fresh fruit.

  • Restaurants
  • Hamburgers
  • River North
  • price 1 of 4

It's easy to please everyone at Shake Shack, especially now that the burger empire has multiple locations in Chicago. Kids can choose from hamburgers, a crispy chicken sandwich and flat-top dogs, all of which are crafted with premium ingredients. It's a fast and easy option for moms and dads on the go.

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  • Restaurants
  • Lake View

Bet you didn't think that Schubas-adjacent Tied House catered to the kids. The beautiful Lakeview restaurant has a dedicated kids menu that's packed with parent-approved meals like mac and cheese, chicken tenders and grilled cheese served with a side of fruit or fries.

  • Restaurants
  • American
  • Lincoln Park
  • price 2 of 4

While date night with the kids won’t ever be anyone’s first option, it is possible. At Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ bright and airy eatery, the youngins can be distracted by silver dollar pancakes and cheeseburgers, leaving the adults free to peruse the wine list and California-inspired menu. If you want to get them interested in cooking, bring them from 4-6pm Monday through Thursday for a kids pizza making workshop.

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Jeffy Mai
Editor, Time Out Chicago
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  • Restaurants
  • Pizza
  • Uptown
  • price 2 of 4

This Ravenswood spot is wonderfully kid-friendly, and owner Jonathan Goldsmith goes out his way to make sure families have a stress-free dining experience. No need for a special menu, as your bambinos will love the tasty Neapolitan pizzas that this place is known for.

  • Restaurants
  • Greek
  • Loop

After the kids work up an appetite ice skating or running around the play garden at Maggie Daley Park, head to Avli on the Park for Greek fare from executive chef Nikolaos Kapernaros. They can snack on a basic pasta or chicken kabobs with pita tzatziki and fries while you share saganaki, pork gyros and some strong Greek coffee to give you energy to head back outside.

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  • Restaurants
  • Pizza
  • East Village
  • price 1 of 4

There's no need for a kids menu when the little ones can eat just like Mom and Dad. Housemade mozzarella sticks are a favorite with the littles, and they can watch as the chefs prepare their pizza through a special viewing window. Save money Wednesday through Sunday, when kids eat free with a $20 purchase. Oh, and there's a kick-ass Midwestern beer menu for you.

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  • Restaurants
  • Vegan
  • Loop
  • price 1 of 4

Start building healthy eating habits young with the help of vegan fast casual chain Native Foods, which offers a Lil’ Buddha Bowl made with teriyaki sweet potatoes, avocado, roasted corn, pineapple and jasmine rice. The restaurant also serves plant-based spins on kids classics, with chicken tenders, quesadillas and mac and cheese accompanied by a side of crispy fries.

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  • Restaurants
  • Sandwich shops
  • Lake View
  • price 1 of 4

Grilled cheese and tomato soup are essential parts of every child’s diet so visit Cheesie’s for a variety of sandwiches that please. Kids can get the unfussy O.G. (American and cheddar cheese) in half portions while adults have interesting options like the Tenderizer (cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, chicken tenders) to choose from. Diners of all ages will appreciate a deep fried PB&J for dessert.

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Jeffy Mai
Editor, Time Out Chicago
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  • Restaurants
  • American
  • Wicker Park
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Want to show kids the ropes of weekend brunching? Bring them to The Perch, where the specialized kids brunch menu includes classics like grilled cheese, cheesy eggs and PB&J. Kids also eat free every day between 4pm-6pm for dinner and each meal is served with a drink and free vanilla ice cream. Be sure to snag the root beer float for dessert!

  • Restaurants
  • Barbecue
  • Wicker Park
  • price 2 of 4

For the warmer months, Smoke Daddy’s side patio is perfect for diners of all ages. While you scarf down half a rack of baby ribs, kids 10 and under can enjoy a mini pulled meat sandwich for just $6 with a scoop of ice cream available upon request.

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  • Restaurants
  • American
  • Logan Square
  • price 2 of 4

This Logan Square staple is a great place to bring diners of all ages for brunch or lunch. The eatery boasts kid-friendly options made available upon request as well as coloring sheets to keep the little ones entertained. So whether the youngins want to expand their palate with a mortadella, fennel and gruyere hand pie or are expecting simple and classic buttermilk pancakes, Lula Cafe is the place for all maturing tastes.

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